Priest Recovering

News to Note - Brevard

February 8, 2002

COCOA BEACH -- A priest who was severely beaten Feb. 1 has been taken off a respirator and his condition upgraded from critical to serious, the Catholic Diocese of Orlando reported Thursday. The Rev. Sean Heslin is responsive but still unable to talk to police who are investigating the attack at Our Saviour Catholic Church in Cocoa Beach. "His progress has been really wonderful," said diocese spokeswoman Carol Brinati. Robert Rutkowski, 36, who has a history of violence and mental problems, has been charged with aggravated battery in the attack. The Merritt Island man came to the church in the late afternoon and asked to see a priest, police said. Heslin, who also had served at Orlando's St. James Catholic Cathedral and churches in Winter Haven and Daytona Beach, was found unconscious moments later.